World Porridge Day

PORRIDGE IS JUST OATS, BUT WINE IS JUST GRAPES.

We’re proud of our porridge and we are proud that Britain is proud of its porridge. But porridge has been around for much longer than us.

Today it is World Porridge Day (October 10th). An entire day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the health benefits, versatility and deliciousness of a good bowl of porridge. It’s the event of the season and the highlight of Rude Health’s year but where did it come from and how should you celebrate?

World Porridge Day was created by Mary’s Meals, a charity that works with the local communities to provide porridge for some of the world’s poorest children in education

Kids at Kanjedza Primary School in Mwanza wait for cups of phala porridge from Mary’s Meals

SAVING LIVES WITH PORRIDGE…LITERALLY

When we think of porridge we often think of it as a Scottish staple, enjoyed after a bracing dip in a cold loch. Porridge, in fact, has a global trotting history. It has always had a humble yet global appeal. Nutrient-rich, quick to prepare, cheap and sustaining, porridge has made its mark on countless cuisines. From Likuni Phala (a maize-based porridge common in Malawi) to a savoury Haleem bowl more akin to a stew (popular in the Middle East, Central Asia and India).

Mary’s Meal’s recognise the global and local appeal of the humble oat and its power to tackle hunger and support education in the poorest communities worldwide.

Now that we know where this momentous day came from, it’s time to decide how to celebrate it in style. An easy way to start is by eating a bowl of porridge. Whether it be sweet, savoury, experimental or traditional, a bowl of porridge can provide a satisfying and sustaining meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Spurtles and spoons at the ready.

THE WORLD PORRIDGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

If you are a die-hard oat fan, a Scotland lover and want to take it a step further, you can head to the World Porridge Championships in Scotland. Also known as the Golden Spurtle, The World Porridge Championships in an annual event held in the Scottish Highland village of Carrbridge where it has been running since 1994. Anyone can enter to battle it out for either the best traditional porridge (oatmeal, water and salt only) or for the ‘Speciality’ Porridge category where contenders can add their own ingredients – a category our very own co-founder Nick Barnard won in 2014.

Still hungry? Head over to our history of porridge page to learn all about porridge around the world.

✓ Added to Basket

There are no items in your basket

Nothing wrong with the occasional cookie now and again

Especially when shared with those you love the most. We collect the crumbs you leave behind while visiting the goods on our website to help us remember the ones you liked the most, so that hopefully, we can make your experience here that much better and delicious next time you visit. Anything you tell us about your cookie preferences will never ever be passed on to a third party. You can view our cookies policy here.Accept & Close